Fluid Driven Vane Motor Torque Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole drilling systems face limitations in generating sufficient torque in compact form factors, particularly in high-temperature environments and directional drilling, due to the use of rigid drill pipes and elastomeric components that restrict their application in geothermal and deep oil/gas wells.

Innovation Solution

A motor assembly incorporating a vane motor coupled with a drive section featuring a drive hammer that engages an output shaft, utilizing pressurized fluid to provide improved peak torque without the need for elastomeric components or gear sets, allowing for compact and efficient torque generation in extreme conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If rigid drill pipe and surface-based motors are used, then rotational energy can be transferred downhole, but the system cannot generate sufficient torque in directional drilling and has limited adaptability to extreme temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidadaptability to extreme temperatures and directional drilling
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces elastomeric mechanical components with a fluid-driven vane motor system that uses pressurized fluid to drive the rotor and vanes. This substitution eliminates temperature limitations of elastomers while maintaining torque generation capability, allowing operation in extreme temperatures and directional drilling applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a fluid-driven motor where pressurized fluid enters the motor chamber and acts on the vanes to generate rotational motion. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach replaces traditional mechanical elastomeric components, enabling operation in high-temperature environments and providing sufficient torque for directional drilling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If positive displacement motors with elastomers are used, then rotation can be generated downhole, but the temperature range is limited due to elastomeric component restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedownhole rotation generationVSAvoidtemperature range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes elastomeric components with a fluid-driven vane motor system that has no rubber or polymer elements. The motor uses pressurized fluid to directly drive the vanes and rotor, eliminating the temperature constraints of elastomers while maintaining the ability to generate rotation in harsh downhole environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Force

If conventional motors are used, then rotation can be produced, but large form factors are required to generate sufficient torque

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidform factor
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid-driven motor uses pressurized fluid to generate high torque in a compact configuration. The direct fluid-to-vane action eliminates the need for large gear sets and mechanical transmission components, achieving high torque output in a small downhole package that can be easily deployed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates large mechanical gear sets and complex transmission systems from conventional motor designs. By using direct fluid-driven vane action, the system achieves sufficient torque generation without requiring large form factors, reducing the overall motor size for downhole deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Speed

If surface-based rotary systems are used, then drill pipe can be rotated, but the system requires a high degree of maintenance and has complex structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrill pipe rotationVSAvoidsystem complexity and maintenance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex surface-based rotary systems with a simple fluid-driven motor deployed directly downhole. The motor uses pressurized fluid to rotate the drill bit at the bottom of the hole, eliminating the need for long drill strings, rotary tables, and extensive surface equipment, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10385616B1Fluid driven drilling motor
Publication Date: 2019.08.20 NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA LLC
  • US10385616B1 patent drawing
  • US10385616B1 patent drawing
  • US10385616B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor assembly is disclosed that includes a vane motor coupled to an output shaft by a drive section. The drive section includes hammers that engage the output shaft to provide improved torque.